According to sources close to idrw.org, Naval LCA NP-1 has completed first phase of testing of launches from Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF ) located at INS Hansa in Goa and from next month will commence Second Phase of launch testing .

In First Phase, Naval Lca has completed 6 ski-jump launches which were flown in Clean configuration without any stores (weapons or fuel tanks ). Data collected will analysed for any further refinements. Second Phase will involve ski-jump launches with Stores (weapons or fuel tanks ).

NP-2 which is a Single seater fighter variant of Naval Lca is all set to be flown to Goa early next month to speed up the certification of carrier compatibility tests at the shore-based INS Hansa.

As per updated information provided to idrw.org by its sources ADA now plans to start arrested landing trials for N-Lca by end of 2015 and NP-2 will be lead aircraft for the arrestor hook integration and was spotted with Dummy arrestor hook system in recently concluded Aero India 2015 air show in Bengaluru.

Rafael has also confirmed to a leading Defence magazine that Integration of Derby Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) has taken place on LCA but did not provide information if it was done on N-LCA or Airforces LCA Tejas .

@vstol jockey I am being very hypothetical here, but is it possible that your design may fly from STOBAR decks in future if it is cleared by MoD? If yes then will it compromise some of the features you have in your plane?

@vstol jockey I am being very hypothetical here, but is it possible that your design may fly from STOBAR decks in future if it is cleared by MoD? If yes then will it compromise some of the features you have in your plane?

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My design has 57* sweepback wings. I will never take it onboard a deck.

LSA has another version with 50* sweepback wings and using twin engines. That can be made carrier capable. The numbers which will be bought by IN do not justify the kind of investment needed for that design.

No navy in the world has ever operated a tailless fighter from deck with sweep more than 50*. French had M2K but chose not to take it on deck. The approach alpha is very high and the alpha variation needed to stay on glide path are large. This creates problems during landings.

No navy in the world has ever operated a tailless fighter from deck with sweep more than 50*. French had M2K but chose not to take it on deck. The approach alpha is very high and the alpha variation needed to stay on glide path are large. This creates problems during landings.